Cafe du Monde

The Beignets are worth going down to the French Quarter. The atmosphere is not the greatest, but if you have ever lived in NOLA like I have it is not a bother. This is an outdoor restaurant and street people can be a hassle. Still, despite the downsides, it is a great experience.

Second time in New Orleans and wanted to get the beignets again. Perhaps I was drunk the first time. This time, being totally sober I realized what a gross place this is. The beignets are good but the whole place seemed really unsanitary...I'm sure the glasses and mugs are not washed adequately. And the tables are rarely washed down. If the take out line is short, go that route and take your goodies and coffee (in disposable cups...although I'm sure they're grimy too from sitting around in the back kitchen) and enjoy in Jackson Square.

THis was our first stop in New Orleans after more than a dozen years away. I couldn't have been more disappointed. Did I romanticize this place before or did it take a serious nose dive? The beignet are small, grainy and tasteless, but more than that, this place in Jackson Square is a filthy dump! Skip this tourist trap and go to one of the three locations in the Quarter of the far superior spot named Cafe Beignet!

Great beignets, a must try if you're in the area!

Stop here and yes have a coffee and beignet b/c of the tradition. Do not go on Sunday morning! You will wait in line and be disappointed, not worth the wait but worth going there when a table is readily available to sit down and experience history, Kind of. Such an important part of New Orleans history; although it feels like China Town since all the servers were Chinese, kind of took away from the experience.. If you expect to feel like you are sitting in a Cafe in Paris, or even old New Orleans, don't go.

They have great coffee. The actual restaurant or cafe is not very impressive at all. Dirty! I loved the beignets and coffee though. The ...

Great little coffee stand. Love the outdoor area where you can enjoy your coffee and beignets while you listen the the music on the streets...

We wanted an iced coffee. I was leary, as it looks like it caters to people from Bucksnort Iowa, and I was right. We were over-charged, and couldn't argue the point because the staff were all Chinese, and didn't understand what I was trying to say. I left frustrated after paying $10.00 for two iced coffees and a pastry.

it's very crowded thanks to the historical nature, and the location is good. The staff isn't exactly friendly, but they're really busy and they try to be fast. The coffee is a special chickory flavor you either love or hate, but it's not like regular coffee. The beignets didn't live up to the hype... they get them to you warm, but they're so busy they let them overcook all the time and they get chewy. They also load about 1/2 a box of powdered sugar on every order... more than anyone could ever eat and at a huge waste to the company I'm sure. The hard part with that is you end up wearing the sugar everywhere if there's the remotest bit of wind... after getting through all that and feeling a bit dry if you order water they hand you a glass the size of a large thimble...

The handful of negative reviews of the Cafe Du Monde completely miss the point of this New Orleans institution. Because it is open to the street 24 hours a day and VERY high traffic, it will not and cannot be a paragon of cleanliness and speedy, friendly customer service. The situation is too out of control for that to happen. You get a melange of all of New Orleans and everyone that goes there. Humanity is not tidy, and the Cafe reflects the truth of the humans that give it its energy. You can get good service, and you can get bad service, but the cafe au lait and beignets are a constant, as is the opportunity to see the world passing in front of you. It is not called "du monde" without reason. It's the true center of New Orleans as far as I'm concerned, and no trip to N.O. is complete without a visit.

This Cafe Du Mode is an outdoor place to grab a quick bite. The beignets are out of this world and honestly, the only reason to stop by - other than to say you've been there. The cafe au lait leaves a lot to be desired as does the waitstaff. The coffee is inconsistent and you're lucky if you have an actual full cup after the waiter "throws" it at you. At certain times of the day you can also catch some decent street muscians or have a good conversation with other patrons.

I went here three times in a matter of five days during a visit to New Orleans. Each time, I went at a different part of the day. Overall, the food was fantastic-- I had your obligatory beignets as well as their cafe au lait. Their hot chocolate was also very good. Go in the early morning if you want a quieter way to start your day. In the afternoon, the outdoor seating area is a great place to people watch or take a break from your stroll along the riverside street. Deep in the heart of the night, go to see the action and liveliness of New Orleans with other people getting their midnight snack. The service was friendly and quick. This is a must-see (and eat) when you are in the Big Easy!

A great place, on weekdays, to have beignets & coffee. However do not expect great or even average service and no "southern" hospitality. The first day we went the service was minimal, the next time we went it was nonexistant, even the manager was abrupt & rude. It was not crowded since it was in winter & in the middle of the week. We loved the beignets, but were surprised at the treatment of customers.

This is definitely a necessary New Orleans experience. My boyfriend and I had cafe au lait and beignets here twice -- once just to use the bathroom -- and both times we were able to get seating quickly and were served promptly. The first time the waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. I saw a huge long line there this morning (Saturday morning around 10), so that's not the time to go! Also, the bathrooms are DISGUSTING and there is powdered sugar EVERYWHERE. As far as that goes, though, it's hard to find a bathroom if you're walking around -- it's better to pay two bucks for some beignets to use a gross bathroom than to pay six or seven bucks for a drink to use a grossish bathroom! Also this place is good for groups and for couples.

Well, the beignets were great, but I can't say as much for the staff. I was there with two friends and we enjoyed a great little snack, knowing we HAD to eat at Cafe du Monde while in the Big Easy. My friend left his wallet on the table when we left. We left the cafe, crossed the street and then he realized it was gone...we hadn't been gone for more the three minutes. When we returned, the place was as empty as it was when we left....except the wallet was gone. We pleaded with the staff to "look in the back room" saying that we wouldn't ask any questions-still no one came forward. We explained that we didn't care about the money, credit cards, we just needed his military ID back...still no response. Eventually we gave up. No one was there when we left, and no one was there when we came back - except the staff who played dumb the whole time. My friend is in the Coast Guard...a military branch that New Orleans owes a great deal of thanks to...I guess this is how New Orleans shows their ... Read more

This place survived Katrina, and thank God! The beignets are pure heaven. They are messy with their powdered sugar so get plenty of napkins. The coffee is great also; the perfect combo with about three or four beignets. However, the place with exercise your patience because they are always busy and the line to the bathroom should be measured in hours, not minutes. Parking is terrible so expect a walk from wherever you park. Even if you are driving through, you must stop here. It is definitely a destination treat!

No one's review can help or hurt this place....very good beignets...average coffee...insufferable wait...but packed 24/7....it's a part of nola history....put up with the wait!!!!

I've driven 1700 miles across the southern continental United States just to eat the beignets here. That and I have relatives in Chalmette. But stated purposes of visit aside, this is the mecca of coffee and deep-fried French pastries. For less than $3 you can get a piping hot plate of those fluffy, hollow, powdered-sugar-coated puffs of nirvana and a jet-black cup of some of the finest joe you've ever had. Words cannot describe how perfect this establishment is. The staff is friendly, you could not ask for a better location, and there's always live Jazz playing nearby. It is literally impossible for me to stop anywhere near the state of Louisiana and not stop here. Long live the French Quarter!!

what can I say but beignets, beignets, beignets. I wished they made them even bigger though, but its cheap, its tasty and it doesn't help your diet, but its goood!

What's not to love about Cafe du Monde? Their beignets are addictive ( I order some while I'm there and some for the road, plus some for whoever asks me for them when they find out I'm going.....)! There's no such thing as too much powdered sugar as far as they're concerned, and I have a tendency to agree. I just make a point not to wear dark colors when I go... haha. But my favorite part is the coffee. I am a self proclaimed coffee expert, and I can tell you that they serve the best cup of chicory coffee in the world. It's a definite must-have for any coffee lover. Thank goodness they sell it, and their beignet mixes, for home also! Don't miss out on the local musicians and street performers that frequent the establishment. They truly add to the experience and the ambience of New Orleans.

Cafe du Monde first of all does not serve donuts, they serve beignets. There IS a difference. Second of all they aren't that good. Sure they taste pretty good but they're too sweet. A few bites of one is more than enough. The coffee and chocolate milk is pretty good. The advantages are they that they cost $1.75 for 3 and that therye open 24 hours. Thats about it.

In Short Since 1862, this venerable French Quarter favorite is a perfect spot to watch the world go by at any time of day or night. White-jacketed servers gingerly navigate between crowded tables inside and on the patio, and street musicians often set up nearby. Beignets (fried, rectangle-shaped doughnuts covered in confectioner's sugar) and dark-roasted cafe au laits are the staples here. Also available are fresh-squeezed orange juice, regular and chocolate milk, hot chocolate and soft drinks.

This is a great place to sip coffee, hot or cold, and people watch as they stroll thru the French Quarter. I'm not a big fan of fried dough, but the beniets (donuts covered in powdered sugar) were pretty good. And that's it, they just have coffee, and one kind of donut.

This place is worth at least one visit while you're in New Orleans. The beignets and coffee lived up to their reputation! However, service was the worst I have ever experienced. We waited a full 20 minutes before getting service (after repeatedly asking waitstaff that walked by). When the waitress finally came, she asked who wanted coffee and all 4 of us did. When we started telling her our specific preferences (decaf, with/without milk, etc.), she put up her hands and said very rudely"y'all have been waiting a long time, you should have been more organized with your order!!" When she brought out the coffee, my friend asked which one was decaf, and she plain out yelled at her "I will tell you which one is decaf, don't move the glasses around!". I am not going back there, no matter how good the food was.

It may be there only for the tourists, but it's definitely and must do! Incredible is all I can say! Coffee au lait was delicious and biegnets are out of the world good. My wife was actually upset that there was so much powdered sugar that fell off of them! She was trying to figure out how they could save some of the sugar! Meanwhile, there's no way to eat these without taking a sugar shower! To reiterate don't wear black!!

Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is a must to do at least once when you are in New Orleans. The beignets are excellent. It is a great place to relax for a short while and absorb the atomosphere of the French Quarter around Jackson Square.

one of the few "touristy" things i really enjoyed during my 5 days in the Big Easy. Not great for big parties, but definitely get the table service. Outside nice, but a/c is comfy when it's really humid. Beignets are out of this world, and the coffee is better than most. you'll save $$$$ if you buy any food/souvenir items from their own general store across the street.

This restaurant is a sure top 10. They have the most flavorable coffee in the world! Not to mention their outstanding beignet's!

This place has the best beignet, just for a snack or for breakfast this place is awesome

No trip to NOLA would be complete without a visit to Cafe Du Monde. An order of beignets and cafe au lait. One word of advice: Don't wear black!

Definitely worth paying a visit to take a break from the sites. Two orders of coffee with an order of beignets (three) all for $4.50. It's a great price. Awesome atmosphere. Great location (across the street from Jackson Square). Should be one of the stops to hit up while in downtown New Orleans.

Thank God that our local specialty store here in Atlanta sales Cafe du Monde coffee and beignet mix (which still isn't quite the same as at the establishment itself, but I'm getting better at making them). We are absolutely hooked since we got back from NO. Thank goodness there is a restaurant (which we never tried before we went to NO) called Cresent City that serves "pretty" authentic Cajun/Creole food and THEY SERVE BEIGNETS "almost" as good as Cafe du Monde. I'm no longer a devoted Starbucks fan, I absolutely LOVED their Cafe au lait and now make it daily at home!! We loved people watching here, and will definitely go back on our next trip to NO. We must have been lucky, our server was nice!!

What a wonderful place! It was so cheap ($1.37 for three beignets) and the food was always fresh. Even when it was crowded, we were able to find a seat. One night, we sat at the outdoor tables and there were some great musicians entertaining the crowd. The cafe au lait was very flavorful and a perfect accompaniment to the beignets. We ate there almost every day. I'm still dreaming about the place. Also, we always had good and fast service.

This is a must visit. The beignets are to die for, and we tried them elsewhere ... not even close. It is cheap, quick, and very good for casual conversation. Even the coffee had a distinct flavor to it, so this tourist ended up taking some home. (They sell their coffee and their beignet mix.) I think what I liked best was the simpllicity as to what to order - beignets and some kind of coffee and you are done. Must go here!

You cannot go to New Orleans and not stop at the Cafe du Monde. It's like having summer without the sun. If you want your first taste of hearty chicory coffee once you get off the plane head over and cool your heels. You'll be glad you did. A bonus: You'll have the perfect excuse to feel like a kid as you let all that powdered sugar from one of their world-renowned beignets get all over your face like a big sloppy smile.

the eats were hot and brought fresh to the table. The coffee is strong but good. Be prepared to wade thru a lot of people to get a table in the morning and afternoon. We came back for a snack late afternoon/early evening and sat right down.

You must stop at this place and have a large cup of Cafe Au Lait with an order of Beignets. They are fried dough, like doughnuts, covered with powdered sugar. No matter what you do, you will walk away with powdered sugar all over yourself. It is open 24 hours a day so you have no excuse for not stopping. Good place for breakfast or a late night snack. Near Jackson Square and a perfect venue for people watching.

Everyone, and I repeat everyone must go there the first time they visit New Orleans, but this is only because it is a must, not because of the menu or the service. It is historic, but it is one of those places that it is better to say you have been to than the actual experience.

The beignets and cafe au lait is great. But the real thrill is the live music played on the sidewalk at the enterance. DON'T WEAR DARK CLOTHES!!!!

I was in New orleans two summers ago. Best choice for breakfast in the french quarter. Especially the beingnets, great for a hangover and the coffee is wonderful. Good place to people watch also. It is quite nice, outdoor and covered, and will not put a dent in your wallet.

sure everyone complains about the service,but you don't have to sit and wait for service.Place a to go order in the take out line.Half the wait,take your bengeits in a paperbag and go sit on a bench or by the river and enjoy the great coffee and bengeits.I promise you won't be disappointed!Take it from a frequent N.O. visitor who makes it a point to stop by everytime.

Sacre bleu with the Cafe du Monde. Touted as a must, the service was a bust. The wait staff did exactly that--make us wait for a half hour before getting so much as a "What will you have to drink" let alone a smile.

The worst service I have ever received. We sat for twenty minutes before anyone bothered to take our order. During this time, we asked waitresses if they could help us and they all responded with "I'm not your waitress." We will not return!

If you don't like confectioner's sugar to be on your clothes, seat, or table; if you don't like the people who are serving you to always have a negative attitude; if you don't like noise, then this is not the place for you. But if you like those wonderful little French donuts, fresh coffee, and a table to looks out on the many different folks that make up New Orleans, then this is the place. Every time we come to New Orleans, my wife and I make one or two stops by here each day no matter where else in the city.

Ok, let's get one thing straight. I grew up in New Orleans, so I am allow to say this. This is not a place for breakfast. Does it have Frnch donuts? Yes, but that does not consitute a breakfast joint. There are other wonderful places to go to breakfast that didn't even make this list. Mother's restaurant is great. So is Brennen's if you have the cash. I recommed the eggs benedict. But for the love of god and all things holy, don't go to Cafe du Monde for breakfast. You can do so much better. But at 3am after a drinking binge, you can't beat this place.

My husband and I had a great breafast of beignets and cafe au lait here. Everything was delicious and very inexpensive. A little crowded, but I suppose that's the norm. Keepsakes from CDM are cheaper here or at their store across the street than we found them at other souvenir places. A good bet in every way.

I have to say that the Begnets and the CDM coffee were the best! Do not miss them when you are in the Big Easy! RJ

This place is a must. It is loud, brash, crowded and the floors are covered with powdered sugar. That IS Cafe du Monde. Ignore the naysayers. They are the same people who complain about long lines at Disneyland on Labor Day. The coffee and donuts are simply a true NOLA experience. You can either make this a wonderful part of trip to the Big Easy or you can get yourself worked into a frenzy because you weren't given coffee and donuts by tuxedo-clad waiters and served off of bone china. Just go. Go and enjoy. Go many times. You won't regret it.

exceptional. service is outstanding, caffine is the best, table not clean, seat and hope

good food, good service, parking is poor but the problems are worth it.